Marina Parvin is a war child, born in July 1972. Her mother was handed to the invading Pakistan army during the War of Independence in 1971.

At the army camp, she was turned into a sex slave. After becoming pregnant, she wanted to kill herself by taking pesticide but was saved in the end by a sympathetic man.

“I never saw my mother smile or laugh; distress and agony were her constant companions; she got a freedom fighter’s certificate but was deprived of social respect,” says Marina who has also faced stigma, denunciation and ostracism at one point.

Marina’s mother, ‘Pochi Bewa’ died in 2005 with ignominy and indignity.

Marina was married off in 1984 when she was 12 years old and when the husband came to know of her true identity a lot of complications ensued. However, Marina had always been supported by her in laws. Her husband, Omar Ali, says: “initially, I used to taunt her but eventually, went back to her and today we are happy.”

Marina and Omar have three sons and one daughter who is married. Omar owns an auto van, the elder son sells tea while the others are studying.

We manage to make ends meet and I am not complaining but Bbau Kha, who gave my mother to the Pak army, did not face justice, which torments me regularly, says Marina.